Q. Why are all the trees along the Echo Farms golf course on the Independence Boulevard side being cut down in such great numbers?
A. The trees were cut down by Duke Energy Progress, not by the Echo Farms Golf Course, a course official said.
The trees were cut down to align with a federal mandate that sets fines of up to $1 million a day if power outages are caused by trees or other vegetation, according to the golf course official and news reports. The company cuts down or trims trees in the path of transmission lines. The utility’s right of way allows crews to clear within 15 feet on either side of power lines
Trees conflicting with power lines is the No. 1 cause for power outages.
Per the mandate, utilities aren’t required to cut down trees, only to have a plan for maintaining vegetation along transmission line corridors.
RELATED LINKS:
When will Duke Energy Progress trim trees in more affluent areas like Glen Meade or Forest Hills?
Why does the power blink on and off when there are no storms?
Date posted: February 6, 2014
User-contributed question by:
Rick McLean
Talk to us!
Have a comment about this post or know more about the answer? Use this form to let us know. Note that all comments are moderated and must be approved before they are posted, although you may see your own comments the first time you post them.